Counting apparatus for processing machine

ABSTRACT

A processing machine, such as a clicker cutter comprises a fixed platen and a reciprocably movable operating head for delivering a blow to a cutting die placed on sheet material on the platen beneath the head. A console which includes several stations (one for each differently-shaped piece of material to be cut is adjacent the cutting machine. Each station comprises a storage area for cut pieces; a counter; a movable hook adjacent the storage area on which the die for that station is placed when not in use; a counter readiness or energizer switch operable upon removal of the die from the hook to connect the counter for operation; a first or &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;in use&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; signal device (such as a green light) indicating that the die has been removed from its hook; and a second signal device (such as a red light) which indicates when the counter is indicating that a predetermined number of pieces for that station have been cut. The console further includes an audible alarm which sounds when two or more dies are removed from their hooks at the same time, so that false counting at one or more stations will be avoided. The alarm also sounds to indicate that the second signal device is operating, i.e., that the counter has finished the desired count. A counting switch relay is located on the clicker cutter for effecting operation of the counter at the station which is in operation. Override means, such as an override switch, are provided to permit a cut to be made without being registered on any counter.

United States Patent [191 Labonte et al.

[ COUNTING APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING MACHINE [76] Inventors: Roland J.Labonte, 15731 West Eldorado Drive, New Berlin, Wis. 53151; Smiley H.Jones, 1090 Links Court, Brookfield, Wis. 53005 22 Filed: Dec. 27, 197121 Appl.No.: 212,121

52 US. Cl. ..83/s7, 83/522, 83/549 51 Int. Cl ..B26f1/40,B26d 7/28 [58]FieldofSearch ..s3/57,522,532,549

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,149,522 9/1964 Newton......83/522 Primary Examiner-J. M. Meister Attorney-James E. Nilles [57 ABSTRACT A processing machine, such as a clicker cutter comprises afixed platen and a reciprocably movable operating head for delivering ablow to a cutting die 11] 3,722,335 [451 Mar. 27, 1973 placed on sheetmaterial on the platen beneath the head. A console which includesseveral stations (one for each differently-shaped piece of material tobe cut is adjacent the cutting machine. Each station comprises a storagearea for cut pieces; a counter; a movable hook adjacent the storage areaon which the die for that station is placed when not in use; a counterreadiness or energizer switch operable upon removal of the die from thehook to connect the counter for operation; a first or in use signaldevice (such as a green light) indicating that the die has been removedfrom its hook; and a second signal device (such as a red light) whichindicates when the counter is indicating that a predetermined number ofpieces for that station have been cut. The console further includes anaudible alarm which sounds when two or more dies are removed from theirhooks at the same time, so that false counting at one or more stationswill be avoided. The alarm also sounds to indicate that the secondsignal device is operating, i.e., that the counter has finished thedesired count. A counting switch relay is located on the clicker cutterfor effecting operation of the counter at the station which is inoperation. Override means, such as an override switch, are provided topermit a cut to be made without being registered on any counter.

' 16 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures COUNTING APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING MACHINEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION carried out by a human operator using aso-called l5 clicker cutter. A sheet of leather is placed on a platen orflat surface on the clicker cutter, a die of desired shape is placed ata desired location on the sheet of leather, the clicker cutter head isswung into position over the die and the operator actuates a controlswitch which causes the cutter head to descend and deliver a sharp,single heavy blow to the die. The head is then swung aside, the die islifted up and the cut piece is removed and placed in a storage bin.These operations are repeated until the desired number ofdifferentlyshaped pieces are produced.

Heretofore, it was the practice for the operator to accumulate severalpieces in his hand and then place these pieces of a given shape on anadjacent table and then to place the die on top of these pieces. Severalstacks of such pieces, one stack for each differentlyshaped die orcutter, were accumulated on the table. This served as a means ofidentification of the shape of the pieces and a convenient location forthe die. customarily, a hundred pieces of each shape constituted aproduction run and assistants to the operator had to countand keep trackof the number of each differently-shaped piece produced. Not uncommonly,errors were made in the count which resulted in the waste of time,effort and material. It is desirable, therefore, to provide improvedcounting apparatus for processing machines of the aforesaid characterwhich insures accurate counting, eliminates the assistants and has otheradvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, thereis provided a processing machine, such as a clicker cutter, having aplaten on which material to be cut is placed and an operating head,preferably hydraulically operated, for delivering a single blow to acutting die placed on the material beneath the head. The cutter isprovided with an operating control, including an operating controlswitch, which effects a single cutting operation of the head whenactuated. In further accordance with the invention, there is provided aconsole which is located adjacent the cutting machine and within reachof the human operator. The console includes several stations, onestation being provided for each differently-shaped piece of material tobe cut. Each station comprises a storage area for the cut pieces; acounter including a readout device which gives a visual indication ofthe number of pieces of material left to be cut for that station; amember adjacent the storage area on which the corresponding die for thatstation is placed when not in use, such as a movable hook; a counterreadiness or energizer switch operable upon removal of the die from thehook to connect the corresponding counter for operation; a first or inuse signal device (such as a green light) indicating that the die hasbeen removed from its hook; a second signal device (such as a red light)which indicates when the counter is indicating that a predeterminednumber of pieces for that station have been cut; and an on-off controlswitch for the particular station. The console further includes a masteron-off switch and an alarm, preferably audible, which warns when two ormore dies are removed from their hooks at the same time so that falsecounting at one or more stations will be avoided. The alarm also warnsto indicate that the second signal device is operating. i.e., that thecounter has finished the desired count. The counting apparatus furtherincludes a counting switch located on the clicker cutter and operable inresponse to operation of the cutter control switch for effectingoperation of the counter at the station which is in operation. Thecounting apparatus also includes override means, such as a pedaloperatedoverride switch, which permits a cut to be made without being registeredon any counter.

Counting apparatus and a processing machine in accordance with thepresent invention operate as follows. A sheet of material is placed onthe platen of the cutting machine. A first die of desired shape isremoved from the hook at its station and placed on the sheet ofmaterial. Removal of the first die causes the counter readiness orenergizer switch to actuate the counter readout device for that stationand also causes the inuse signal device (green light) at that station togo on. The cutter head is swung in place and the operator actuates itsoperating control switch to cause it to strike the first die and a blankto be cut from the material. This operation of the cutter head isregistered as a single count on the counter readout device at thestation from which the first die was removed. Successive cuttingoperations using the first die will be similarly recorded on the samecounter readout device. When it is desired to employ adifferently-shaped second die, the first die is normally hung on itscorresponding hook thereby turning off the in-use signal device (greenlight) and disconnecting the counter readout device of that station. Thesecond die is then removed from its station and cutting operationstherewith are recorded on the counter readout device of its station.

When the counter readout device for a particular station indicates thatthe desired number of pieces have been .cut for that station, the secondsignal device, i.e., the red light goes on and simultaneously the alarmsounds. It is preferable that the counting device be adjusted so that itcounts downwardly to zero from a predetermined number so as to indicatethe number of pieces which still need to be cut.

In the event that the operator fails to put the first die back on itshook before the second die is removed from its hook, the alarm indicatesthat two dies are apparently in use and the operator is warned not toproceed with cutting until the first die is properly replaced at itsstation. If the operator were to proceed despite the warning, eachsingle operation of the cutting machine would be recorded simultaneouslyat both stations from which the dies were removed,

thereby causing a false count to be: recorded at one station.

If a defective blank is produced, which must be discarded rather thanplaced in one of the stations, the operator is unaware of this factuntil after the cutting operation has taken place and has been recordedat an appropriate station. However, the operator can use thepedal-operated override switch during the next cutting operation toprevent the next cut from being recorded. If preferred, the overridemeans may include a correction button on the counter readout device aswell as the foot-pedal switch.

It is apparent that a counting apparatus and cutter in accordance withthe present invention insures speed and accuracy in counting, that iteliminates the necessity of the human operator and his assistants frommaking rapid and tedious mental calculations and that it providesseveral effective warning indications if erroneous procedures are beingfollowing during cutting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of aninstallation com prising counting apparatus for a processing machine inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a portion of the processing machinesuch as a clicker cutter taken along lines 22 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a showing of several types of dies of different shape usedwith the clicker cutter of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of one of the dies shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a movable hook member and itsassociated counter readout actuating, readiness, or energizer switchshown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of cutting apparatus in accordance with theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, the numeral10 designates a clicker cutter which is used to cut numerousdifferently-shaped component pieces from sheets of tanned leather.Clicker cutter 10 comprises a supporting pedestal 12 on which a platensurface 14 is mounted. Clicker cutter 10 further comprises a supportingpedestal 16 on which a reciprocally-movable cutter head 18 is supported.Head 18 is movable downwardly with respect to FIG. 2 for a shortdistance and with great force by a piston rod 20 connected to the headand to a hydraulic cylinder 22 within pedestal 16. After each downwardmovement, head 18 returns to the position shown in FIG. 2. Clickercutter 10 is provided with an adjustment wheel 24 on head 18 which isused to change the distance or spacing between the undersurface 26 ofhead 18 and the upper surface of platen 14. Cutter head 18 is providedwith a control handle 28 which has a control switch 30 on its top. It isto be understood that cutter head 18 is also pivotally movable on itsshaft 20 so that it can be swung into or out of position by a humanoperator grasping handle 28. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a sheet 32 of tannedleather ready for cutting disposed on platen l4 and a suitable die 34 islocated on leather sheet 32. In operation, cutter head 18 is swung inplace over die 34 and operating switch 30 on handle 28 is depressed toeffect operation of hydraulic operator 22 which, in turn, effects asingle downward blow of head 18 against die 34 to perform a desiredcutting or blanking operation. Head 18 then returns to the positionshown in FIG. 2 and is swung to the side by the operator. Die 34 is thenlifted up by the operator and the blank cutout portion of the web isremoved from the die. Die 34 or other dies are then repositioned forsubsequent cutting operations.

FIG. 3 shows three types of dies 36, 38 and 40 which are usable incutter 10 as hereinbefore described. As is apparent, each die is a stripof metal which has been formed to the desired shape of the piece ofmaterial to be cut. FIG. 4 is a side view of die 36 shown in FIG. 3 andshows that it has a sharp knife or cutting edge 39 and a flat, oppositeedge 40 against which head 18 of cutter 10 strikes.

As FIG. 1 shows, a console 42 is disposed adjacent clicker cutter 10within reach of a human operator. Console 42 takes the form of a sheetmetal cabinet 44 which is mounted on supports 46. Cabinet 44 of console42 is divided into several stations designated by the numerals 48, 50,52, 54 and 56. The several stations could be arranged in ways other thanthat shown, but the arrangement shown was found suitable from a time andmotion-study standpoint. Each station is similar to the others from thestandpoint of the present invention and, therefore, a description ofstation 56 will suffice fora description of the other stations 48, 50,52 and 54 except as hereinafter indicated. It is to be understood thatone station is provided for each differently shaped piece of material tobe cut.

Station 56 comprises a storage area 58 which is defined by a bottom wall60, a side wall 62, a back wall 66 and another or opposite side wall 68.Storage area 58 serves as a collection and storage point for pieces ofmaterial of a predetermined shape cut on cutter 10. For convenience andidentification purposes, a die 70 used to cut the blanks placed instorage area 58 is kept adjacent storage area 58 when not in use. Inaccordance with the invention, die 70 is disposed on a movable membersuch as a hook 72 which is pivotally mounted on a bracket 74 disposedjust below lower surface 60 of storage area 58, as shown in FIG. 5. Hook72 is associated with a counter readiness or energizer switch 76 whichcontrols a counter 85 for station 56. Switch 76 puts counter 85 inreadiness for operation but actual counting is carried out by a relaycontact 77 operated by a control relay 78 in pedestal 12 of cutter l0.Relay 78 is energized by operation of switch 30 from a suitable source79 of d.c. power. Switch 76 is assumed to be of the normally-closedtype; that is to say, when its spring-loaded pushbutton operator 80 isdepressed, the switch contacts are open, and when its pushbuttonoperator 80 is extended, the switch contacts are closed. Switch 76 isheld in open-circuit condition when die 70 is placed on die hook 72 andthe latter rotates clockwise (with respect to FIG. 5) so as to bearagainst and depress push button 80 of the switch. When die 70 is removedfrom die hook 72, the latter is biased by spring-loaded pushbutton 80 ina counterclockwise direction and the switch contacts resume theirnormally closed condition.

Station 56 further comprises a readout device 84 of counter 85 which ismounted on rear wall 66 of station 56. Readout device 84 is responsiveto cutting operations performed on cutter 10, and gives a visualindication of the number of pieces of material that are left to be cutfor station 56. Station 56 further comprises an indicator lamp 86(preferably green) which goes on in response to closure of switch 76 toindicate when die 70 has been removed from die hook 72. Station 56further comprises another indicator light 88 (preferably red) which goeson when readout device 84 has reached the count number to which it hasbeen set. An on-off switch 90 is provided at station 56 to energize itfor use. A correction button 92 is also provided at station 56. Whendepressed, button 92 energizes a holding circuit so that when one moreout is made the count will not register but the holding circuit willrelease.

Console 42 is provided with an alarm buzzer 94 which serves twopurposes. Alarm 94 sounds when two or more dies are simultaneouslyremoved from the die hooks of operation stations. Alarm 94 also soundswhen any one counter readout device has finished its count. Afoot-operated pedal-type override switch 96 is located adjacent cutterbut is connected through console 42in series with contact 77 so as topermit a cut to be made without it being registered on any counter as inthe case when a count for a defective piece was registered on one of thecounters and needs to be accounted for. Console 42 is provided with amaster switch 98 which places the entire unit in readiness foroperation.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a control circuit for counting apparatus inaccordance with the invention. Generally considered, the control circuitcomprises a power supply including a power source 100, master switch 98on console 42, a step-down transformer 102, and a fullwave rectifier104. The power supply supplies operating power to the circuitry andelectrical components at each of the stations 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56 andalso to buzzer or alarm 94. Since the circuitry is similar at eachstation, only the circuitry for station 56 will be described in detailand this portion of the circuitry is enclosed within a dotted line 1 16in FIG. 6.

Power source 100. is a 220 volt alternating current power source whichis connectable through master switch 98 to the primary winding 102a ofstepdown transformer 102. Secondary winding l02b of stepdown transformer102 provides, for example, an output voltage of 24 volts alternatingcurrent to the input terminals 104a and 104b of full-wave rectifier 104.Rectified power is supplied from positive output terminal 104c ofrectifier 104 through a fuse 106 to a supply line 1 10. Negative outputterminal 104d of rectifier 104 is connected to a supply line 112.Terminal 104d is also connected to a supply line 114 through anormally-closed override switch 96 (preferably pedaloperated to open)and normally-open contact 77 of relay 78 which is located in pedestall2of cutter 10 and closes momentarily in response to each cutter headoperation.

Buzzer 94.includes a coil 94a and a diode 94b, a capacitor 94c and aresistor 94d in parallel therewith, connected across supply lines 1 10and 1 12 through the anode and cathode of a silicon controlled rectifier120.

Counter 85, hereinbefore referred to, comprises a readout device 85a, arelay coil 85b, a two-position relay switch havingswitch tenninals 85c,85d and 85e and a switch leaf 85f. It is to be understood that eachenergization of relay coil b causes one count to register on readoutdevice 85a. Furthermore, switch terminals 85c and 85d are normallyconnected by switch leaf 85f. but when a predetermined number ofcounting operations has been registered, switch leaf 85f disengages fromterminal 85d and engages terminal 85e until the switch leaf is manuallyreset to contact terminal 85d. Relay coil 85b is connected on one sidethrough a voltage-limiting diode 122 to line 114. The other side ofcounter relay coil 85b is connectable through switch terminal 85d andswitch leaf 85f to switch terminal 850.

A flip-flop relay 124 is provided to selectively bypass counter 85 sothat a count cannot be recorded, as hereinafter explained. Switchterminal 85c is connectable through a normally-closed contact 124a of aflipflop relay 124, through normally-closed die-hook switch 76 andthrough power switch for station 56 to supply line 110. Flip-flop relaycoil 124b has one side connectable to supply line 110 through switches76 and 90. The other side of flip-flop relay coil 12412 is connectableeither through a normally-open pushbutton counter override switch 92 toline 112 or through its normally-open relay contact 1240 and diode 122to line 114. Momentary depression of pushbutton 92 (with switches 98, 90and 76 closed) energizes flip-flop relay coil 124b and causes contact124a to open and contact 1240 to close, thereby causing relay coil 85bof counter 85 to be bypassed for one pulse. It is to be understood,however, that the next pulse after that causes relay 124 to resume thecondition shown in FIG. 6.

Signal light 86isconnected on one side to line 112 and is connectable onits other side to line 110 through switches 76 and 90. Signal light 88is connected on one side to line 112 and is connectable on its otherside through contact 85e, switch leaf 85f and contact 85c of counter 85,through flip-flop relay contact 124a, and through switches 76 and 90 toline 1 10.

A limiting resistor 126 is connectable in circuit between line 110(through switches 76 and 90) and gate a of controlled rectifier 120(through a diode 128). Resistor 126 prevents controlled rectifier 120from being fired when switches 90 and 76 are closed. However, if thehook switches 76 in two or more stations are closed simultaneously, thetotal current flow through two or more resistors 126 will causerectifier 120 to fire and energize alarm 94. A limiting resistor 130 isconnected between terminal 850 of counter 85 and gate 1200 of controlledrectifier 120 (through diode 128).

The control circuitry shown in FIG. 6 operates as follows. First assumethat master switch 98 is closed, that override switch 96 is closed, thatpower switch 90 for station 56 is closed, that die-hook switch 76 isopen (i.e., that the die for station 56 is in place), that flipfloprelay contact 124a is closed and flip-flop relay contact 124a is open,and that counter relay terminals 850 and 85d are connected by switchleaf 85f, and that relay contact 77 is open.

When the foregoing assumptions are made, signal lights 86 and 88 are offand buzzer 94 is deenergized. Now assume that a die is removed from diehook 72 and that die hook switch 76 closes. When this occurs, signallight 86 is connected across lines 110 and 112 and is illuminated toindicate that the die is removed from that particular station. Nowassume that cutter l0 is operated so as to cause a momentary closure ofrelay contact 77. When contact 77 closes, relay coil 85b of counter 85is energized and causes a single count to be registered by counter 85a.Repeated closure of contact 77 for a predetermined number of timesfinally causes switch leaf 85f to disengage terminal 85d and to engageterminal 85c of counter 85. When relay terminals 85c and 85e areconnected, signal light 88 is energized from lines 110 and 112 andbecomes illuminated to indicate that the counting operation iscompleted. Simultaneously, gate 120a of controlled rectifier 120 isenergized from line 110 through resistor 130 and contacts 850 and 85e tofire the controlled rectifier. Consequently, buzzer coil 94a isenergized from lines 1 10 and 1 12 and audible alarm 94 sounds to warnthe operator that the count for one shape of piece is completed. Themachine operator responds to the alarm by resetting switch leaf 85f todisconnect signal light 88 and buzzer 94 from their power sources.

Now assume a situation where cutting operations are proceeding normally,as hereinbefore described, and that the operator makes a cut with turnsout to have produced a defective piece which must be discarded and notcounted but which has already caused a count to register on counter 85.This situation may be remedied in one of two ways. First, before thenext successive cutting operation occurs, the operator depressesfoot-pedal override switch 96 thereby causing it to open. With switch 96open, closure of relay contact 77 on the next cutting operation does noteffect energization of relay coil 85b of counter 85 and, consequently,no count registers on counter readout 85a. The operator then releasesfoot-pedal override switch 96, permitting it to close for subsequentoperations. Second, an undesired count may be corrected by momentarilydepressing pushbutton override switch 92 at station 56 (i.e., thestation where the undesired count was registered) instead of usingfoot-pedal override switch 96. When override switch 92 is depressed,flipflop relay coil 124b is connected across lines 110 and 112 causingits normally-closed contact 124a to open and its normally-open contact1246 to close. With flipflop relay contact 124a open, counter relay coil85b is disconnected from line 110. As a result, the next pulse generatedby closure of counter switch 77 does not energize counter relay coil85b. Instead, the Pulse from line 114 is diverted through flip-floprelay contacts 1240 which are now closed and through flip-flop relaycoil 124b to line 110. Passage of this pulse through flipflop relay coil124b causes relay 124 to reset. When flip-flop relay 124 resets, itscontacts 124a reclose and its contacts 1240 reopen putting the relay inits original condition. Subsequent counting operations effected byclosure of relay contact 77 then take place in the same manner aspreviously described.

Now assume a situation where die-hook switch 76 is closed because itsassociated die is removed from the hook and another die-hook switch inone of the other circuits 48, 50, 52 or 54 is simultaneously openbecause its associated die also has been removed from its hook. In thissituation, warning lights 86 in both stations will be energized.Furthermore, current flow to gate 120a of controlled rectifier 120 willbe sufficient to cause firing of the controlled rectifier and alarm 94will sound. As previously explained, if two or more resistorscorresponding to resistor 126 are connected to line 110, then sufficientcurrent flows to control grid 120a to fire rectifier 120 and energizealarm 94.

Operation of clicker cutter 10 and the control circuit shown in FIG. 6may be summarized as follows. Assuming that die-hook switch 76 is closed(i.e., die removed from a station), a single cutting operation of cutter10 momentarily closes relay contact 77 which, in turn, energizes counterrelay a and a count is registered on counter readout device 85a atstation 56. Replacement of the die on die-hook 72 causes opening ofdie-hook switch 76 and disconnection of the counter circuit. Completionof a predetermined number of counting operations by counter 85 causesdisconnection of counter 85, energization of signal light 88 andsounding of alarm 94. Corrections to counter readout device 85anecessitated by a defective piece having been counted are accomplishedin two ways. First, foot-pedal override switch 96 may be opened toprevent relay 85 from counting. Second, relay 85 may be bypassed bydepressing override switch 92. Finally, the possibility of false countsbeing registered at one or more stations is reduced or eliminated byalarm 94 which sounds when two or more die-hook switches 76 are closedsimultaneously.

We claim:

1. Counting apparatus for a processing machine which is operable to cutblanks from material, utilizes a plurality of removable dies andrequires a plurality of stations whereat said dies are placed when notin use and whereat blanks cut from said dies are accumulated, eachstation accommodating one die and the blanks cut by that die,comprising:

a plurality of counters operable when energized to record cuttingoperations of said processing machine, one counter being provided foreach station,

means responsive to each operation of said processing machine to effecta single counting operation of each of said plurality of counters,

a plurality of counter readiness devices actuated in response to removalfrom said stations of said dies to control energization of said countersfor operation, one readiness device being provided for each station andaccommodating the die associated with that station, each device readyingthe counter for its station when the associated die for that station isremoved from that station, and

alarm signal means operable in response to actuation of at least twocounter readiness devices simultaneously to indicate that two or moredies are removed from their stations simultaneously.

2. Counting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of said counterreadiness devices comprises an actuating switch.

3. Counting apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said movable memberis a hook pivotally mounted near said station and said actuating switchis mounted near said station and engageable by said hook.

4. Counting apparatus according to claim 1 including first signal meansfor each station and responsive to actuation of a counter readinessdevice at its station to indicate that the die is removed from thatstation.

5. Counting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said alarm signalmeans is further operable in response to a predetermined number ofoperations of each counter to indicate that an individual counter has registered said predetermined number of operations.

6. Counting apparatus according to claim including second signal meansfor each station and responsive to a predetermined number of operationsof each counter to indicate that an individual counter has registeredsaid predetermined number of operations.

7. Counting apparatus according to claim 1 including a power source andwherein:

each counter comprises a counter relay and counter relay contact;

said means responsive to each operation of said processing meanscomprises a counter switch for connecting said counter relay to one sideof said source; and

each counter readiness device comprises an actuating switch forconnecting said counter relay to the other side of said source. I

8. Counting apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said alarm signalmeans comprises a component energizable to actuate the alarm, saidcomponent being connected to said other side of said source and beingconnectable to said one side of said source for energization by acontrol device operable in response to actuation of at least twoactuating switches which connect said control device to said other sideof said source.

9. Counting apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said control deviceis alternately connectable to said other side of said source by saidcounter relay contacts when said counter has registered a predeterminednumber of counts.

10. Counting apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said control deviceis a controlled rectifier having its anode-cathode circuit in serieswith said component of said alarm signal means and having its gateconnected to each of said actuating switches through a limiting resistorand also connectable to said other side of said source through saidcounter relay contacts.

1 1. Counting apparatus according to claim 9 including first electricalsignal means for each station to indicate that the die is removed fromthat station, said first electrical signal means being connectableacross said source by the actuating switch for that station.

12. Counting apparatus according to claim 11 including second electricalsignal means for each station to indicate that an individual counter hasregistered said predetermined number of operations, said secondelectrical signal means being connected to one side of said source andbeing connectable to the other side of said source by said counter relaycontacts when said counter has registered a predetermined number ofcounts.

13. Counting apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said counter relaycontacts are resettable twoposition contacts and wherein saidtwo-position contacts have a first position wherein said counter relaycoil is connected to said actuating switch and having a second positionwherein said counter relay coil is disconnected therefrom and saidsecond electrical signal means is connectable to said other side of saidcounter from recording a count.

15. Counting apparatus according to claim 7 including selectivelyoperable override means to prevent said counter from recording a count,said override means comprising an override switch in circuit betweensaid counter switch and said one side of said source.

16. Counting apparatus according to claim 7 including selectivelyoperable override means to prevent said counter from recording a count,said override means comprising a flipflop relay having a flip-flop relaycoil and a set of normally-closed contacts and a set of normallyopencontacts, i

said flip-flop relay coil being connectable to said other side of saidsource through said counter switch and being connectable to said oneside of said source through an override switch,

said normally-closed contacts being connected in circuit between saidcounter relay contacts and said other side of said source,

and said normally-open contacts being connected in circuit between saidflip-flop relay coil and said counter switch.

1. Counting apparatus for a processing machine which is operable to cutblanks from material, utilizes a plurality of removable dies andrequires a plurality of stations whereat said dies are placed when notin use and whereat blanks cut from said dies are accumulated, eachstation accommodating one die and the blanks cut by that die,comprising: a plurality of counters operable when energized to recordcutting operations of said processing machine, one counter beingprovided for each station, means responsive to each operation of saidprocessing machine to effect a single counting operation of each of saidplurality of counters, a plurality of counter readiness devices actuatedin response to removal from sAid stations of said dies to controlenergization of said counters for operation, one readiness device beingprovided for each station and accommodating the die associated with thatstation, each device readying the counter for its station when theassociated die for that station is removed from that station, and alarmsignal means operable in response to actuation of at least two counterreadiness devices simultaneously to indicate that two or more dies areremoved from their stations simultaneously.
 2. Counting apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein each of said counter readiness devicescomprises an actuating switch.
 3. Counting apparatus according to claim2 wherein said movable member is a hook pivotally mounted near saidstation and said actuating switch is mounted near said station andengageable by said hook.
 4. Counting apparatus according to claim 1including first signal means for each station and responsive toactuation of a counter readiness device at its station to indicate thatthe die is removed from that station.
 5. Counting apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein said alarm signal means is further operable in responseto a predetermined number of operations of each counter to indicate thatan individual counter has registered said predetermined number ofoperations.
 6. Counting apparatus according to claim 5 including secondsignal means for each station and responsive to a predetermined numberof operations of each counter to indicate that an individual counter hasregistered said predetermined number of operations.
 7. Countingapparatus according to claim 1 including a power source and wherein:each counter comprises a counter relay and counter relay contact; saidmeans responsive to each operation of said processing means comprises acounter switch for connecting said counter relay to one side of saidsource; and each counter readiness device comprises an actuating switchfor connecting said counter relay to the other side of said source. 8.Counting apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said alarm signal meanscomprises a component energizable to actuate the alarm, said componentbeing connected to said other side of said source and being connectableto said one side of said source for energization by a control deviceoperable in response to actuation of at least two actuating switcheswhich connect said control device to said other side of said source. 9.Counting apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said control device isalternately connectable to said other side of said source by saidcounter relay contacts when said counter has registered a predeterminednumber of counts.
 10. Counting apparatus according to claim 9 whereinsaid control device is a controlled rectifier having its anode-cathodecircuit in series with said component of said alarm signal means andhaving its gate connected to each of said actuating switches through alimiting resistor and also connectable to said other side of said sourcethrough said counter relay contacts.
 11. Counting apparatus according toclaim 9 including first electrical signal means for each station toindicate that the die is removed from that station, said firstelectrical signal means being connectable across said source by theactuating switch for that station.
 12. Counting apparatus according toclaim 11 including second electrical signal means for each station toindicate that an individual counter has registered said predeterminednumber of operations, said second electrical signal means beingconnected to one side of said source and being connectable to the otherside of said source by said counter relay contacts when said counter hasregistered a predetermined number of counts.
 13. Counting apparatusaccording to claim 12 wherein said counter relay contacts are resettabletwo-position contacts and wherein said two-position contacts have afirst position wherein said counter relay coil is connected to saidactuating switch and having a second position wHerein said counter relaycoil is disconnected therefrom and said second electrical signal meansis connectable to said other side of said source.
 14. Counting apparatusaccording to claim 1 including override means selectively operable toprevent said counter from recording a count.
 15. Counting apparatusaccording to claim 7 including selectively operable override means toprevent said counter from recording a count, said override meanscomprising an override switch in circuit between said counter switch andsaid one side of said source.
 16. Counting apparatus according to claim7 including selectively operable override means to prevent said counterfrom recording a count, said override means comprising a flip-flop relayhaving a flip-flop relay coil and a set of normally-closed contacts anda set of normally-open contacts, said flip-flop relay coil beingconnectable to said other side of said source through said counterswitch and being connectable to said one side of said source through anoverride switch, said normally-closed contacts being connected incircuit between said counter relay contacts and said other side of saidsource, and said normally-open contacts being connected in circuitbetween said flip-flop relay coil and said counter switch.